How to Watch ESPN Without Cable TV

ESPN is the most popular sports network in the United States. It covers everything from mainstream sports like NBA, NFL and MLB games to more niche sports like motocross and rugby. For sports fans, ESPN is really a must-have. But what if you don’t have cable? Can you watch ESPN without cable TV?

Thankfully, the answer is yes! If you’re wondering how to watch ESPN without cable, this guide will explain how. There are several different options, which we will cover in detail below.

How to Watch ESPN Without Cable: At a Glance

For sports fans who are also cord-cutters, there are a couple different ways to watch ESPN online without cable. Note that they are all paid options – currently, there is no way to watch ESPN for free. Here are our top recommendations – find the complete list of services further down this page.

Hulu with Live TV offers a great way to watch ESPN and 50+ other important networks, without cable. You can use it on devices like streaming players, smart TVs, computers and smartphones. It costs $40 a month, with no contract or commitment required.

Sling TV is another great option for ESPN streaming without cable. It works on all your favorite devices, from your smartphone to your streaming player (like Roku, Apple TV, AirTV, etc.) Plans start from $25 a month, and do not require a contract.

Using Streaming Services to Watch ESPN Without Cable

If you’re new to the world of cable TV alternatives, things can get a bit confusing. Many streaming services include ESPN in their channel lineup – but how does it all actually work? This section will explain the basics of online live streaming services.

Essentially, live streaming services (like Hulu Live TV, Sling TV, etc.) seek to provide a viable alternative to cable TV. They function in a similar way, offering the ability to watch live TV on anywhere from 20-100+ channels, depending on your package. Generally speaking, everything that airs live on cable will also air live on streaming services, so long as they include the relevant channels.

So, how are streaming services any different from cable? Are they better?

The primary differences are in price and flexibility.

First, for pricing – the average cable TV bill now exceeds $100 per month. Compare this to streaming services, which average around $40 per month (and can be as low as $25), and it’s easy to see why these options are quite popular!

Second, flexibility – most cable providers lock you into a contract of at least 1 year. Additionally, you can usually only watch cable when you’re at home. On the other hand, streaming services are non-contract, so you can cancel at any time – and they let you watch while on-the-go!

Another difference is in the details of how they actually work. Cable TV requires a cable box, which is usually rented from the cable provider. Streaming services work over the internet, and require a streaming device. You’ll have to provide this yourself, but you can use just about anything – like a Roku, Apple TV, Chromecast, computer, smartphone, tablet, etc. See our guide to streaming devices for more info.

So, to sum up:

Streaming services give you LIVE access to your favorite TV channels

Prices span from $25 to $80 per month, with an average around $40

No contract is required – cancel any time

You’ll need a device to use, like a Roku or a smart TV

Now that we know the basics, let’s dive into specific services that we recommend!

Watch ESPN Without Cable via Hulu with Live TV

Hulu with Live TV is one of our top recommendations overall. The service is very affordable, easy to use, and works on all your favorite devices. Here are the basics:

Best for folks who want both live and on-demand entertainment

50+ channels included

Highlights include ESPN, FS1, AMC, TNT, FOX News, CNN and more

Includes NBC, FOX, CBS and regional sports networks in most areas

Great coverage of local sports

$40 per month, with no contract

Free 7-day trial

Works on Roku, Apple TV, Chromecast, smartphones, tablets, computers and more

Includes a HUGE on-demand library to catch up on past shows

Hulu with Live TV is among our top recommendations because it’s a true one-stop-shop for your entertainment needs. It’s live channel lineup is impressive, covering everything from news to sports to TV shows. And when there’s nothing on, the service also comes with an on-demand library to stream any time!

Watch ESPN Online Without Cable via DIRECTV NOW

DIRECTV NOW is a streaming service that’s well established and quite popular. Note that it’s different from normal DIRECTV, as it does not require a satellite (DIRECTV NOW is an online streaming service). Here are the basics:

Best for folks who want the biggest selection possible

65+ channels included (up to 125+ in the bigger packages

Highlights include ESPN, AMC, FOX News, TNT, FS1, CNN and more

Good coverage of local sports

Plans from $40 per month

Works on Apple TV, Roku and other streaming devices, plus mobile devices and more

Includes some on-demand content

For folks who crave selection, it’s tough to beat DIRECTV NOW’s huge channel packages. That said, on the upper end their plans cost as much as $80/mo, which is not that much less than cable.

Each of these options will provide the ESPN live stream – so the differences lie in the other channels they include, and the features they offer. We recommend checking out the channel lineups to choose the best one for you.

Again, there is no way to legally watch ESPN for free, so you’ll need to pay for a service. That said, you may be able to watch some highlights and clips on ESPN’s website.

You may also be wondering about ESPN’s new streaming service, ESPN+. This $4.99 a month streaming service does not offer the regular ESPN channel. Instead, it’s additional sports and documentaries that are exclusive to the new digital platform and not available on regular ESPN networks.

If you have any questions about how to watch ESPN online without cable, don’t hesitate to ask!